How will the mediator advise the parties of the format for Kitchen Solvers mediation meetings?
Kitchen_Solvers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- h.
Conduct of Mediation.
The mediator shall advise the parties in writing of the format for the meeting or meetings.
If the mediator believes it will be useful after reviewing the position papers, the mediator shall give both himself or herself and the Authorized Persons an opportunity to hear an oral presentation of each party's views on the matter in dispute.
The mediator shall assist the Authorized Persons to negotiate a resolution of the matter in dispute, with or without the assistance of counsel or others.
To this end, the mediator is authorized both to conduct joint meetings and to attend separate private caucuses with the parties.
All mediation sessions will be strictly private.
The mediator must keep confidential all information learned unless specifically authorized by the party from which the information was obtained to disclose the information to the other party.
The parties commit to participate in the proceedings in good faith with the intention of resolving the dispute if at all possible.
Source: Item 22 — Contracts (FDD page 49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Kitchen Solvers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the mediator will inform both parties in writing about the format that will be used during the mediation meeting or meetings. After reviewing the position papers, the mediator can provide the involved parties the opportunity to present their views on the matter of dispute orally. The mediator will then assist the authorized persons in negotiating a resolution, with or without legal counsel. The mediator is authorized to conduct joint meetings and attend separate private caucuses with the parties involved. All mediation sessions will be private, and the mediator must keep all information confidential unless authorized to disclose it.
This means that Kitchen Solvers franchisees can expect to receive written guidelines from the mediator outlining how the mediation sessions will be structured. This proactive communication helps ensure that all participants are aware of the process and can prepare accordingly. The mediator's role includes facilitating open communication and negotiation between the parties, which may involve both joint sessions and private discussions to explore potential resolutions.
The confidentiality of the mediation process is emphasized, protecting sensitive information shared during the sessions. Franchisees should participate in the proceedings in good faith, with the intention of resolving the dispute if possible. This structured approach to mediation aims to provide a fair and efficient means of addressing conflicts while maintaining privacy and encouraging resolution.